Winter linseed is gaining momentum as a break crop in Scotland, with new trial results reinforcing its reliability and profitability in challenging conditions.
Premium Crops, working with Scottish Agronomy, will present the latest findings at a free open day in Glenrothes, Fife, on April 29, where growers can view trial plots and hear from agronomists and industry speakers.
Scottish Agronomy has again backed winter linseed for Scottish rotations after the leading variety Attila delivered three consecutive years of yields above 3t/ha.
Interest in the crop is growing as farmers look for alternatives to oilseed rape amid persistent establishment issues, pest pressure and disease challenges, alongside weaker barley contracts and limited oat demand. With contract prices exceeding £500/t and consistent yields, linseed is increasingly seen as a dependable option.
Moray farmer Iain Grant, who farms 370 acres near Elgin, achieved a record yield set to be revealed at the event. He said he had been drawn to the crop after mixed results with oilseed rape.
“I'd tried rape in the past, to mixed results with wet winters and pigeon grazing, so just wanted to try something new. The ability of linseed to cope with a bit more water in winter was attractive.
“It proved it can stand a wet winter better than rape and wasn't too bothered by birds. It goes through the combine just fine, is not too costly to dry, and some of it didn't get dried at all.
“It was a full-on drought last year, and you could see stress, but it seemed to cope well.”
Trial work has shown winter linseed can establish reliably through difficult winters, with yields regularly exceeding 3t/ha and commercial crops delivering more than 2t/ha. It also avoids key oilseed rape pressures such as cabbage stem flea beetle, clubroot and light leaf spot, while its fibrous rooting structure helps improve soil condition and provides a good entry for first wheat.
Premium Crops said its research programme, spanning more than 20 years, has focused on identifying varieties suited to UK conditions, with Scottish sites chosen to reflect some of the toughest environments.
Nigel Padbury, seeds and marketing manager at Premium Crops, said: “As challenges continue to build for Scottish oilseed rape growers – from light leaf spot and clubroot to unpredictable establishment and increasing cabbage stem flea beetle pressure – more farmers are looking for a break crop that delivers reliability without adding risk.
“After six years of local trials and strong commercial performance, winter linseed is emerging as a practical and profitable option for Scottish rotations.”
The event, titled ‘An autumn sown alternative’, will include technical updates, a grower perspective and a visit to the trial sites. Attendance is free, with lunch provided, but booking is required in advance.
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